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Quick picks
- ToughestMilwaukee Packout
- Best valueDeWalt TSTAK
- Best for tidy kitsMakita Makpac
- Budget pickStanley FatMax Pro-Stack
Once you've got a van, a stackable system keeps everything organised and quick to load. Like batteries, you'll want to stick to one system, so choose carefully.
What to look for
- Same system as your tools?. Not essential. Storage systems work with any brand of tool.
- Rolling base. Saves your back on bigger jobs.
- Weather sealing. Some heavy-duty boxes are sealed against water and dust. Useful if kit lives on site.
- Organisers. Small-parts organisers stop screws and fixings ending up in one big mess.
- Weight empty. Heavy-duty boxes are heavy before you put anything in them.
Side by side
| Pick | System | Strength | Weak spot | Price band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Packout | Milwaukee Packout | Very tough, huge range | Heavy and pricey | £££ |
| DeWalt TSTAK | DeWalt TSTAK | Affordable, lots of drawers | Less tough | ££ |
| Makita Makpac | Makita Makpac | Neat cases for tools | Less suited to rough site use | ££ |
| Stanley FatMax Pro-Stack | Stanley Pro-Stack | Low cost | Smaller range | £ |
Milwaukee Packout
Heavy-duty · huge range
Built like a tank, with a massive range of boxes, organisers and bags that all lock together.
Good
- Very durable
- Huge range of add-ons
Not so good
- Expensive
- Heavy even when empty
DeWalt TSTAK
Lighter-duty · drawers and organisers
A practical, affordable system with good drawer units. DeWalt's heavier ToughSystem 2.0 is the step up.
Good
- Good price
- Useful drawer units
Not so good
- Not as rugged as Packout or ToughSystem
Makita Makpac
Case system · stacks and clicks together
Neat interlocking cases that suit second fix and finishing kit. Many Makita tools come in Makpac cases already.
Good
- Tidy and compact
- Often comes with tools
Not so good
- Less rugged for heavy site use
Stanley FatMax Pro-Stack
Budget · rolling base available
A cheap way to get organised. Smaller range than the big names, but covers the basics.
Good
- Low price
- Rolling options
Not so good
- Smaller range
- Not as tough
Quick answers
Do I need the same brand as my power tools?
No. Storage systems hold any brand of tool.
Which is the toughest?
Milwaukee Packout and DeWalt ToughSystem are the heavy-duty options.
Is it worth it for an apprentice?
Not usually until you have a van. A good bag does the job before then.
Verdict
Packout if you want the toughest and widest range. TSTAK for value. Wait until you have a van.